GD 250R.

The Hyosung GD 250R is the fully faired version of the GD 250N that we had ridden last year. Launched at the EICMA by Hyosung’s management and DSK Motowheels, the GD 250R is powered by an air-cooled 250-cc single-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed transmission. Evidently, the bike is headed to India and, once launched here, should prove itself a compelling purchase proposition for those looking for a fully faired quarterlitre sport bike but want something other than the ageing Honda CBR 250R.

2016 DUCATIS.

Ducati has unveiled its updated Hypermotard and Scrambler lines for 2016. The Hypermotard models receive larger engines that are more powerful and meet strict Euro 4 emissions standards, while the Scrambler line expands with the addition of a Flat Track Pro version and the 399cc Sixty2. The company also introduced an updated “Supermid” 959 Panigale, which you can read about elsewhere in this issue. The three models in the Hypermotard lineup-the base Hypermotard, the SP, and the Hyperstrada-receive a larger engine that also meets stringent Euro 4 emissions standards. Bore has been increased from 88mm to 94mm, with a corresponding increase in displacement to 937cc, this despite the models now being referred to as the Hypermotard 939 and Hyperstrada 939. Other updates include an increased compression ratio (from 12.8:1 to 13.1:1) and a redesigned 2-into-1 exhaust system. Maximum power is now 113 hp (slightly up from the previous model’s 110 hp), and torque is up by 10 percent. The Hypermotard’s chassis is unchanged from the previous model, and other features such as the Ducati Safety Pack, three-level ABS, traction control, and riding modes all carry over. In the Scrambler line, the four versions produced last year carry on and are joined by the Flat Track Pro, which is based on the Full Throttle but has side-mounted number plates, a small-nose fairing, and other Ducati accessories such as machined footpegs. As with the Full Throttle, the Flat Track Pro has a Termignoni exhaust as standard. The Sixty2 is a more affordable Scrambler, with a smaller engine derived from the 803cc mill producing 41 hp, which Ducati says will make the bike more accessible for newer riders. The Sixty2 has slightly different brakes and suspension, helping to lower cost to $7,995. The Multistrada 1200 Pikes Peak returns for 2016 after a year off, and the Multistrada line expands further with a more dirt-oriented Enduro model. The Diavel line also grows, with cruiser versions dubbed the XDiavel and XDiavel S added.

Aprilia RSV4 R-FW.

For those who think good just isn’t good enough, Aprilia has released more information on a “Factory Works” program that will enable riders or teams to buy an RSV4 built by the manufacturer’s racing department. While the program is primarily intended to keep Aprilia’s RSV4 on race grids around the world, it is also a chance for (very) serious trackday enthusiasts or collectors to stake their claim on Aprilia Racing Division’s years of hard work and development…for a price, of course. No word just yet on what that price will be, though Aprilia did confirm that the RSV4 R-FW will be made available in five packages (each varying in terms of specification for engine and electronics), with the top packages featuring special electronics systems and an engine with upward of 230 hp. More information at serviceaprilia.com/public/racing.